MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University women's lacrosse team held a brief first-half lead, but eventually was overcome by visiting Notre Dame, 18-8, at Valley Fields Wednesday evening, March 25.

The Golden Eagles (4-6) allowed two quick goals to the Fighting Irish (6-4) before responding with three unanswered tallies to take a brief 3-2 lead in the first half. Notre Dame would respond with three straight goals to finish the half before scoring the first four of the second half on the way to its third-straight win.

"Defensively, we did not have our best game," head coach Meredith Black said. "Normally that's our biggest strength, and I think it will continue to be throughout the season, but we struggled in the first half and it put us in a hole that was a little too big to dig out of, especially against a top team."

Notre Dame was led by Cortney Fortunato's eight points on five goals and three assists, giving her a team-best 32 goals through 10 games this season. Rachel Sexton added five goals and an assist, while Heidi Annaheim chipped in three goals as well in the win.

Marquette was paced once again by junior Claire Costanza, who scored three times and dished out an assist in a four-point effort. She added three ground balls and a caused turnover.

The Irish outshot MU, 30-18, in the contest, while holding a commanding edge in draw controls (18-9). Ground balls were even with each team gathering 13 and MU forced ND into 18 turnovers, while committing 17.

This was the final tune-up for Marquette heading into BIG EAST Conference play as Villanova comes to town for the league lid-lifter Saturday, March 28.

"I told the team, `We got to use the disappointment of this game as fuel to get yourself ready for BIG EAST (play)," Black said. "We've got to continue to work hard and fight for every opportunity we're given."

Villanova entered its match against Lafayette, today, with an even record of 4-4. Marquette will look to avenge a 10-9 home loss to the Wildcats from a year ago, while starting the BIG EAST portion of its schedule on a positive note.